Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ vs Samsung Galaxy S21
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ excels with a larger 6.8-inch display, higher resolution (3040x1440), superior zoom capabilities via dual telephoto lenses, and faster 45W charging. Its Snapdragon 855 processor handles demanding tasks effectively, though it lacks 5G connectivity. Galaxy S21 counters with a more compact 6.2-inch form factor, newer Snapdragon 888 chipset delivering better performance, 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, and 5G support. Camera capabilities favor the Note 10+ for zoom enthusiasts with its 2x optical telephoto, while S21's 3x hybrid zoom and 8K video recording provide modern versatility. Battery capacity favors the Note 10+ (4300 mAh versus 4000 mAh), yet the S21's efficient processor may offer comparable endurance. For productivity-focused users needing a stylus and larger screen, the Note 10+ remains compelling despite higher cost. However, S21's superior processor, 5G, modern display tech, and $300 lower price make it the better overall value for most consumers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 if…
- →$200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- →Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- →120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros
- $200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- 120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Eye-catching Contour Cut camera design
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back panel
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- No microSD card slot
- Slow 25W charging
- No charger included in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 196 g | 169 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back | Aluminum frame, Glasstic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Depth | VGA ToF 3D sensor | — |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Super Steady | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.8 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3040 x 1440 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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